tag:www.sonomadivorcelaw.com,2013-03-21:/blog/830612018-12-10T15:30:33ZMovable Type Enterprisetag:www.sonomadivorcelaw.com,2018:/blog//83061.35386092018-12-10T15:31:33Z2018-12-10T15:30:33Z
Child custody, asset division, spousal support and emotional turmoil are just a few of the many aspects people have to consider and deal with during a divorce and it is easy for people to get overwhelmed. It is no secret going through a divorce is hard on the people involved, but what about the kids?

A divorce can be just as difficult for children as it is for adults. That is why it is important to be conscious about your kids’ feelings, thoughts and emotions during this time. How can parents be aware and considerate of their children’s mental and emotional state during their divorce?

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What do kids think?

When a parent is caught up in a divorce, it can be hard to tell what their children are thinking or feeling. Sometimes children will not want to tell their parents what they truly feel about a divorce. While no two situations are alike, there are some common emotions children can have about their parents’ divorce. Some kids might dislike the constant custody changes, lack of family unity or heightened emotions that come with a divorce.

For example, if your divorce is particularly contentious, your kids might feel neglected or angry about the new situations in the family.

However, there is no sure way to tell how your kids feel about your divorce, unless you talk to them yourself. It may help to have a calm, serious conversation with your kids about the situation so you can get an idea of what they are thinking and feeling.

How can parents help?

After you know how your kids feel, you will want to consider this information when going through the divorce process. By keeping your children’s emotions and feelings in mind, you can figure out how to navigate your divorce while decreasing the stress on your children.

There are a few other ways you can make this process easier for your children, too:

Break the news about your divorce to your children together

Be honest about the situation and answer their questions

Create a parenting plan and schedule as quickly as possible

Reassure your children that you will always be there for them

Though there is no way to completely avoid the emotional toll of divorce on you or your children, these are a few tips you can use in order to decrease it. As a parent, your children’s needs are important, especially during a divorce and you want to make sure they are healthy and happy, even under these circumstances.

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tag:www.sonomadivorcelaw.com,2018:/blog//83061.35385582018-12-04T13:00:00Z2018-12-10T13:45:52Z
You and your spouse want out of your marriage, but the cost of living in Sonoma County is getting more ridiculous by the day. You could always leave the area, but that would make things hard at work or with your children. How can you get divorced if you and your spouse cannot afford your own separate residences?

While the typical divorce involves each party moving out of the marital home and moving on, in today's economic climate, that is not always doable. Couples are looking for other ways to get the divorces that they want while not ending up in serious debt. One option for those who think they can make it work is to keep living together during and after the divorce. How can people survive such a living arrangement?

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Identify personal spaces

When living with an ex-spouse, having personal space is a must to make it work. You and your ex can each identify a room that is yours and yours alone - usually a bedroom, that the other party is not permitted to enter. This gives you both a place you can go to get away from each other and take care of yourselves.

Along with that, establish a routine. This way you can limit contact with each other as much as possible.

Discuss shared expenses

When still living together, there are going to be a lot of shared expenses. It is necessary to determine how much each party is responsible for every month as well spell out the particulars for how those expenses are to get paid. Along with figuring out shared expenses, it is good to make a personal financial plan that will benefit you as you move forward.

Determine acceptable forms of communication

Not all divorced or divorcing couples can talk to each other without fighting, but if you keep living together, being able to talk about certain things is a must. If you and your ex cannot communicate well, you may need to identify an alternative way to communicate with each other.

It won't last forever

This kind of living arrangement is not intended to be a permanent solution. Just keep that in mind as you work toward saving for your own place.

The financial aspect of getting a divorce often makes couples put off ending their marriages. The truth is money is not a reason to stay in a marriage. There are ways to make divorce work even when money is tight. This living solution is just one option that may ease financial stress while transitioning from married to single life.

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tag:www.sonomadivorcelaw.com,2018:/blog//83061.35385562018-11-29T13:32:48Z2018-12-10T13:33:53Z
When you decided to file for divorce in a California court, you understood that your decision meant that life for you and your children would never be the same. You were quite hopeful, however, that you would be able to move on to a new lifestyle that would still include healthy living routines, family customs and all the things you consider important for your kids.

If your main problem since finalizing a divorce is one your ex is causing, there are several things you may be able to do to rectify your situation. If the problem is really just that you and your co-parent can't stand each other, then you might just need to get creative in how you interact to avoid contention. If, on the other hand, your ex is impeding your parent/child relationship or trying to undermine your parental rights, that may be a more serious problem.

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Lack of cooperation versus disobeying a court order

Children fare best if they witness their parents' willingness to compromise and cooperate for their sake after divorce. There is a difference, however, between dealing with an ex who grates on your nerves and refuses to bend when it comes to minor, non-essential issues, and one who refuses to adhere to the terms of an existing court order. You can't control your ex, but you can definitely control your reaction to his or her actions.

Is consistency the issue, or something else?

It's understandable that you want to maintain a sense of normalcy in your children's lives after your divorce, so it can be quite frustrating if the rules at their co-parent's house are a lot different from your rules at home. This is why it is critical to make sure your co-parenting agreement contains specific writing to address any and all issues you feel must be set in stone. If something is happening at your ex's house that you believe is detrimental to your kids, you can bring it to the court's immediate attention.

Protecting your rights

If you call your former spouse to discuss a problematic issue and your efforts are not successful, you must decide whether the issue at hand is merely personal preference, or is violating your rights as a parent or somehow placing your children in harm's way. The court always has the children's best interests in mind and will act accordingly to protect them. If you're unsure what your rights are in a particular situation, you can discuss the matter with someone well versed in family law.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35197652018-11-16T16:41:34Z2018-11-28T03:18:16Z
Are you in a marital relationship that is crumbling, but think you need to stick it out for the children? At the end of the day, the choice is up to you but know that divorce does not mean your children will have a bad childhood. If approached the right way, divorce can be good for the whole family.

Children do not like to see their parents unhappy. A number of people think that they can hide the stress, strain and frustration of a failing relationship from their kids, but the truth is, they usually see it and that causes them to have their own struggles. What can couples in California who are choosing to end their marriages do to make things easier on their children?

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Supportive childhood

Parents can do their best to show their children that they support them even though the family dynamic is changing. According to an article in Psychology Today, a supportive childhood is made up of the following features:

Parents get along and do not fight in the presence of their children.

Parents are emotionally stable, moving past the divorce and focusing on building a new life for themselves.

Children have adequate resources, such as a home, food and social support.

In short, children need to feel safe -- physically and emotionally -- and they need the basics required to survive. They do not need everything under the sun to be happy. Basics are key.

Parenting after divorce is not easy

Parenting after divorce certainly is not easy. You and the other parent can create custody and visitation plans so that each parent gets the time he or she needs with the kids. These can be highly detailed as to prevent fights between parents. If conflicts do arise, these plans can provide details for how you should address them, such as through mediation or other conflict resolution methods.

Children are not necessarily a reason to stay in an unhappy or unhealthy marital relationship. It can be difficult to pull the trigger and break up the family, but in the end, if done the right way, everyone may be better for it. The goal is a happy family. Parents deserve happiness too, and children do understand that. Parental attitude after divorce can make all the difference in how children react to the situation.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038432018-11-06T23:01:34Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
As a parent, you know that raising children is expensive. At the time you decided to have kids, you likely believed that you and your spouse could effectively handle the financial obligations associated with child rearing. However, now that you and the other parent have decided to divorce, you may worry about taking care of these expenses on your own.

If you end up as the custodial parent as determined in your child custody proceedings, you may be entitled to child support from the noncustodial parent. How much support -- if any -- you receive will depend on a number of factors dictated under California state law, and having information on what the court considers may help you prepare for your case.

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Important financial factors

The factors that the court looks at mostly relate to financial aspects of your life and the other parent's life. Some of the aspects a judge will consider include the following:

Employment wages

Disability benefits

Workers' compensation benefits

Prize winnings

Self-employment earnings

Dividends and stocks

Unemployment benefits

Rental property income

Investment interest

Social security

Pensions

Another important factor is each parent's net disposable income. This income is what you earn after the deduction of taxes, mandatory contributions, health premiums and other costs. Each parent must also file an Income and Expense Declaration form with the court and provide proof of income. If a parent attempts to provide false information to influence the court, he or she could face penalties for perjury.

Time with the kids

In addition to financial aspects, the court will also review the amount of time each parent spends with the kids. The calculation will involving looking at the number of hours you are physically present with the children.

If the court does award child support, the payments will likely last until the children have turned 18 and have graduated high school, have turned 19, or have married, passed away or become otherwise legally free from parental control.

Obtaining support

If you believe that you should receive child support, you will need to provide specific and important information to the court. Because of the sensitive nature of these types of proceedings, you may find it in your best interests to discuss your options with your legal counsel. Your attorney can help you understand state laws regarding child support and what steps you may need to take to work toward the outcomes you desire.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038422018-10-25T21:21:34Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
Parenting does not come with a guarantee that you will never encounter emotional challenges in raising your children. Most California parents can speak of times when their families have had to overcome a problem. Numerous life situations can increase family life stress levels. Divorce, for instance, is a common yet challenging type of life-change that can either bring parents and children closer together in the relationships or drive them apart.

Like most good parents, you want to provide your children as much support as possible as you all move on to a new lifestyle together. A key factor toward helping them cope lies in how you and your ex relate. Children typically fare best if their parents shield them from divorce-related conflicts. There are several ideas that may be helpful to you as you work toward a settlement and adapt to your new family dynamics.

Keep up with their daily routines as much as possible. A main goal is always to provide stability and continuity in children's lives, as such environments are most conducive toward children's overall good health.

Don't be afraid to encourage your kids to stay closely connected to their other parent.

Current data shows that children of households where parents' marriages are intact are likelier to be physically, emotionally and academically healthier than their peers whose parents have divorced; however, children of divorce can also thrive, especially if their parents are committed to keeping their best interests in mind.

Avoid trying to be friends rather than engaging in authoritative parenting. It's nice to get along well with your kids but studies show children fare best when parents are unafraid to place reasonable demands upon their kids to discipline them in a constructive, loving manner.

Your children are bound to have good days and bad days as they come to terms with your divorce. Allowing them to freely share their emotions and letting them know you are there to provide support gives them confidence to approach you if they're feeling down, and also to believe that your divorce doesn't necessarily have to ruin their lives and that they can still enjoy a happy, healthy childhood.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038412018-10-12T20:11:36Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
If you and your spouse are headed for divorce, one of your biggest concerns if you have children is who will get custody of them. Should you pursue sole custody, or would a shared parenting arrangement work better?

An increasing number of divorcing parents are pushing for shared parenting these days as it may make it possible for both parties to stay involved in the children's lives. Here is a glimpse at what both types of custody arrangements involve following a divorce in California.

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What is sole custody?

In a sole custody situation, you or the other party gains exclusive legal and physical custody of the children. If you are the one granted sole custody, you can better control how your children are reared, including how you plan to educate them.

A sole custody arrangement is ideal if you and the other party do not live near each other or have poor communication. It is also necessary if the court deems one of you an unfit parent. However, even if you end up with sole custody of the children, the other parent can still enjoy time with your children through a visitation schedule.

What is shared parenting?

With shared parenting, both you and the other party share responsibility for making decisions for your children. In addition, your parenting time is typically shared in a more equal manner. For shared parenting to work, both you and the other party should agree on the following areas when it comes to caring for your children:

Social and extracurricular activities

Religious upbringing

Medical care

Educational decisions

Financial responsibilities

The benefit of a shared parenting arrangement is that you both can play a major role in the children's lives. In this situation, you can typically expect child support payments to be lower than they would be in a situation where one parent has sole custody of the children.

Your rights when it comes to child custody during divorce

During divorce, it is within your rights to pursue the arrangement that you feel is best for you. Of course, what is in the children's best interests is a critical consideration as well -- and one that the court prioritizes. If you and the other party can come up with a parenting agreement that reflects both of your wishes, you can avoid court intrusion. Otherwise, the court will ultimately decide on the child custody arrangement that it deems most appropriate given your divorce situation.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038402018-10-08T16:31:34Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
There is really no such thing as an easy parenting journey. Depending on the ages of your kids, you may have just survived the terrible two's or may be currently doing your best to navigate the teenage years. While every California family is unique, most can relate to the constant ebb and flow and ups and downs of parenting and everyday family life.

Marriage problems, in particular those that lead to divorce, definitely have an impact on children and on parenting as well. If you are headed for divorce, you may want to research the potential effects your situation may have your kids' lives and think ahead about ways to help them cope. You'll also want to clearly understand your parental rights and know how to protect them if a legal problem arises.

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Teenagers often struggle the most

Perhaps because they are older and able to understand more about divorce, teenagers often have the most difficulty coming to terms with such situations. The following information explains more about this issue:

Teenagers have had more time with both parents than a younger child has had in life. This means they have more family memories, and considering the aspect that their parents will no longer live under the same roof can be emotionally upsetting.

Studies show it is not uncommon for teenagers to experience academic decline when going through a divorce experience with their parents, as well as in the months following a divorce as they are adapting to new lifestyles.

There is evidence that teenagers who go from living with both parents to one at a time often struggle psychologically as time goes on. However, divorce is not the only situation that leads to this type of issue; if a parent dies, teenagers may experience similar psychological turmoil.

Even if you and your spouse were to remain married, you'd likely still encounter challenges during your children's teenage years. Your divorce doesn't necessarily have to ruin your teenager's life, especially if you build a strong support system for him or her.

More about kids and divorce

Children are naturally resilient and adaptable. If your family is going through a difficult time, know you are not alone in your struggle. In fact, it may be helpful to talk to other parents who have gone through similar experiences to ask about what types of ideas have proved beneficial in helping their children cope with divorce. If your primary concern involves a disagreement with your spouse about a co-parenting plan, an experienced family law advocate would be a good source of support.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038392018-09-24T19:21:38Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
You may have never expected that your marriage would end in divorce. Then again, you may have considered this outcome a real possibility due to the disagreements you and your spouse had and other difficulties throughout the relationship. Still, you may have been shocked when you learned that your spouse had been unfaithful.

Infidelity commonly results in marriages coming to an end. While you and your spouse may not have had the happiest of relationships, this situation still hurts. Now, you find yourself having to determine how you will handle the divorce proceedings that you feel best suit the situation.

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No-fault divorce

Though your spouse cheated on you, it will likely not play much of a role in the eyes of the court when it comes to settlement outcomes. The reason for this lack of impact is that California — and all other states — have no-fault divorce proceedings, which means that a specific reason does not have to exist in order for the divorce to occur — other than irreconcilable differences. You may think that the pain your spouse's infidelity brought you should garner some incentive, but it likely will not in court.

Community property

Before you resign yourself to receiving a less-than-desirable outcome from your divorce case, you may want to determine whether your spouse spent an excessive amount of money on the third party. Community property laws mean that your marital property will be split 50-50, but if your spouse paid for vacations, places to live or expensive gifts, this could impact your marital property. So, you may have the ability to argue that you are entitled to at least a portion of the money your spouse spent on the third party.

Feelings of guilt

You and your spouse could also try to negotiate your settlement outside of the courtroom. If your husband or wife feels guilty over the affair, you may be able to use that guilt in order to get more of what you want out of the situation. Even if guilt is not present, your spouse may still feel willing to give into your demands if he or she wants the case to move forward quickly.

While you should not necessarily use divorce as a vehicle for seeking revenge against your cheating spouse, you could still work toward the outcomes that you believe will best help your situation. Consulting with an attorney could allow you to better understand no-fault divorce, community property division and other aspects of your specific case.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038382018-09-14T19:51:34Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
When you decided to divorce, your main focus centered on your children's best interests. You were careful in your choice of wording when you told your children about the situation. Your main goal was to negotiate a fair settlement that included an agreeable child custody plan. You hoped that you and your spouse could part as friends or, at least allies, regarding your co-parenting future together.

When you realized that the two of you do not see eye-to-eye about child custody matters, you knew you'd be relying on the California court to make certain decisions and to help formulate a plan. When your goal is to avoid contention and to help your children cope with your divorce in as healthy a manner as possible, there are several things you'll want to keep in mind.

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It's about what is best for them

You know your kids better than anyone, and, for the most part, the court trusts that you know what is best for them as well. However, when you and your ex do not agree on how to interpret that, the judge must step in and determine it for you. The following information includes helpful reminders that may apply to your situation:

The court is not interested in all the things your spouse did to drive you crazy in marriage. Leaving laundry on the floor or spending more time with friends than you are not necessarily pertinent factors toward determining where your children should live or how often visitation should take place.

If you request that court include certain rules in your custody agreement, keep in mind that you yourself will also be bound to adhere to those rules.

It's never a good idea to try to use custody negotiations to get back at your spouse for hurt feelings that arose during marriage.

Trying to limit communication between your ex and your kids likely won't sit well with the judge, unless you have evidence that such interaction would be detrimental to them in some way.

Child custody plans are not set in stone. While you and your co-parent must adhere to existing court orders, California law allows you to request modification of a court order if you have legitimate reason for doing so.

Looking toward the future

Most children fare best when a custody plan provides them ample opportunities to maintain healthy, active relationships with both parents following divorce. As you and your kids make plans for the future, it's always a good idea to have a support system in place to help you overcome any emotional, logistical, economic or legal problems that arise.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038372018-08-27T16:51:33Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
Like many parents, your children are your life. You likely make many sacrifices for them and do so without a thought for your own well-being. Trying to imagine holidays, vacations or even weekends apart from your kids is difficult, to say the least.

However, going through a divorce means that these situations are a very real possibility. If you are facing a custody battle, you probably have many concerns. Even if your ex-spouse is an excellent parent, it may be difficult for you to give up any time the court orders for the other parent. However, if you have doubts about your partner's fitness as a parent, you may benefit from understanding the standard by which a custody court will make its decision.

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Defining the child's best interests

You may be surprised to learn that the court is not too concerned about what you want, but is more interested in what is best for your children. You may want this too, but emotions can sometimes cloud one's reasoning, especially when it comes to your children. While California custody courts may differ from other states in the way they handle custody matters, there are some general agreements about what is best for a child.

The best interests of the child is the standard by which courts make custody decisions. For example, you may want the children to be with you during the week. However, if your ex-spouse lives in a safer neighborhood where the children will be able to continue attending the same school and playing with their friends, the court may grant custody to your ex-spouse because safety and consistency are in the best interests of the children.

Other factors that may be in a child's best interest include the following:

Parents who are actively involved in a child's education

Opportunities for extra-curricular activities that foster the child's interests

Parents who are concerned about the health and safety of the child

A parent who is willing to cooperate with each other and foster the child's relationship with the other parent

Living arrangements that allow the child to remain in a familiar situation

You can take comfort in knowing that many courts realize it is generally in a child's best interest to have as much regular interaction with both parents as possible. This is why judges do not easily grant permission for a parent to move the child away from a co-parent who has been active and involved in the child's life.

If you expect a contentious custody process, you would do well to learn as much as you can about the best way to present yourself as a fit parent who has the children's best interests at heart. Your attorney can offer suggestions for making the most of this opportunity.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038362018-08-16T19:51:38Z2018-11-09T01:33:22Z
Whether the decision to divorce was yours, your spouse's or a mutual agreement, you may still be left struggling to get your head around it. You may have custody issues foremost in your mind, but your concerns about your post-divorce finances may not be far removed. Ensuring you have enough security to support yourself and care for your children depends on the success of a fair property division settlement.

Unless you have a prenuptial agreement that says otherwise, California law requires courts to divide marital assets equally. A marital asset is anything either of you acquired during the time you were married. However, it may be impossible to obtain your just half of community property if your spouse is hiding assets from the process.

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Show me the money!

Hiding assets during divorce is not uncommon. Some spouses fear they won't have enough to get by if they rely on a settlement, so they stash some away for safe keeping. Others may believe the assets rightfully belong only to them despite the law's definition of community property. Still others hide assets because they do not want the other spouse to have them. In fact, some spiteful spouses are willing to destroy their own property to prevent their spouse from getting it in a divorce.

It may not be easy to know for certain if your spouse is keeping community property from you, especially if you are unaware of his or her exact income or you did not take an active part in the family finances. However, there are some places where you can look for clues of assets your spouse may be keeping from you, for example:

Unexplained withdrawals or cancelled checks from your joint account may indicate your spouse is using the money for his or her own benefit.

The courthouse keeps records of loan applications if your spouse purchases real estate as a way to hide assets from you.

Even a cash real estate transaction will have records in the county tax assessor's office.

You may be able to learn if your spouse's employer is withholding a bonus until your divorce decree is signed.

Close friends or relatives may be holding money for your spouse in the form of a loan.

If you suspect your spouse of keeping community property from your divorce settlement, bring it to the attention of your attorney. He or she will have resources to investigate in ways you may not be able to on your own. Even if your spouse denies hiding assets from you, it is worth searching. Your future may depend on it.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038352018-08-16T02:21:35Z2018-11-09T01:33:21Z
In most regions across California, schools are either in session or preparing to open for students. You may look forward to the sense of order and routine the school year promises, especially if your summer was chaotic or stressful.

If any of that summer stress was related to the dissolution of your marriage, it is understandable that you are looking for the school year to offer some semblance of normalcy. However, even that routine can be frustrating and disruptive if you and your former spouse have not made a parenting plan that will head off any conflict and maintain some tranquility for the sake of the children.

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Working as partners

As difficult as it may be to communicate with your former spouse at this time, your children may suffer from any contention they witness between you. Fortunately, there are many ways to communicate without ever being face-to-face with your spouse. This way, you can remain on the same page regarding your child's academic progress, discipline and overall well-being.

Some options you can investigate include the following:

Accessing an online portal offered by your child's school

Locating important dates and deadlines on classroom websites

Requesting duplicate copies of newsletters or teacher memos

Signing up for shared parenting calendars that some websites offer

Asking your child's teacher to include both parents on group emails

Attending parent conferences together

Texting or emailing your co-parent when your child is home sick from school, has makeup work or has a large project to complete

Some parenting experts suggest meeting with your former spouse early in the school year to set parameters for which of you will be responsible for school assignments and projects. These requirements can be stressful enough for a child, and you can go a long way in reducing that stress by minimizing the tension and sharing the load. While it may be tempting to leave the homework and book reports for your spouse to crack the whip, it is not fair to your child.

It is important that your child's teacher understands the situation. If possible, the teacher can provide separate passwords for access to online information or send important memos to both of your email accounts. Anytime you communicate with your child's teacher, you have the opportunity to take the high road by copying your ex-spouse on an email or relaying information from meetings your spouse was unable to attend. Of course, if the school year gives rise to more complex custody issues, you should turn to your legal advisor for help.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038342018-07-31T20:51:33Z2018-11-09T01:33:21Z
California readers know there are many reasons why a couple would choose an uncontested divorce. This option can be easier in many aspects, yet it will not work in every case. When there are specific complicating factors that could affect your final order, uncontested divorce may not be the right option for you.

Uncontested divorce is an option for a couple with no remaining disputes between them. This means both sides agree on everything from division of marital property to a visitation schedule before filing. If there are significant disputes regarding child custody, uncontested divorce may not be the right option for you.

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A child custody order that works

Child custody is often one of the most contested and emotionally charged issues of a divorce. Some parents are not able to reach a reasonable conclusion on the matter without the intervention of the court, but that may not be the case for you. If you are moving forward with an uncontested divorce, you will have to be in agreement on all matters pertaining to child custody.

It is important to be as thorough and complete as possible when drafting a custody plan for an uncontested divorce. You and the other parent must carefully and thoughtfully address all issues that may affect your children and custody matters, including:

Visitation schedules, including access to extended family members

Legal custody, which is the legal right to make decisions for the child

Holidays, summer vacation and travel procedures

Special issues that may be unique to your children or family

Parents should not compromise a strong custody plan and the protection of their parental rights simply to benefit from the ease of an uncontested divorce. However, if you and your spouse are in agreement on major issues and have no need for litigation, uncontested divorce could be the right choice for you.

Protecting your future after divorce

Regardless of the specific type of divorce you want, it is beneficial to take steps to protect your interests and your post-divorce security. If you are considering an uncontested divorce, you would be wise to carefully weight all of your options before moving forward.

You have the right to know your choices and your rights. If you and your spouse agree on complex matters such as custody and visitation, you may be able to choose an uncontested divorce and move forward more quickly to your post-divorce future.

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tag:kjssrca.firmsitepreview.com,2018:/blog//83061.35038332018-07-13T19:41:34Z2018-11-09T01:33:21Z
The end of a marriage will bring many significant changes for both parties. Some of the most significant adjustments you will have to make involve finances. You have concerns about your financial stability after your divorce is final, but it is possible you could be eligible for spousal support payments.

Spousal support, also called alimony, can be a contentious and difficult subject for California couples to address. If you think you could be eligible for these types of payments, you would be wise to act decisively to protect your interests and fight for a fair support order. When it comes to your financial security after divorce, you would be wise to seek a full understanding of your legal options.

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What factors determine spousal support?

Various factors affect whether or not a person could be eligible for financial support. The intent of this type of support is to lessen the unbalanced economic impact that a divorce can bring for the lesser earning spouse. In some cases, it is possible for a couple to address spousal support reasonably in a negotiated divorce order, but that might not be realistic for you.

When deciding on the issue of spousal support, a court will take into account various considerations. These factors determine whether or not a person will receive support, how long he or she will receive support and the amount of these payments. Some of these considerations include:

How old the spouses are at the time of divorce and whether or not they will realistically be able to change their financial circumstances

The income of both parties, as well as their earning capacities

Whether or not the lesser-earning spouse gave up a career to raise children while the other worked

Whether or not one party will need additional education to re-enter the workforce or earn a higher income

Spousal support can be permanent, but it is also possible it could be only for a temporary period, allowing the lesser-earning spouse to go to school, find a job and more.

Your financial future is on the line

The decisions made during divorce and the terms of your final order will affect your future for years to come. You do not have to wonder about how you will support yourself and make ends meet, but you have the right to fight for a fair financial order and necessary support. A complete evaluation of your case can help you understand your rights and options.